Guernsey Ports is launching a new brand to focus on promoting and growing the leisure marine sector and increasing revenue through marine tourism.
Called Guernsey Marinas, the new brand will be managed by Guernsey Ports and will use existing staff and resources.
Assistant Harbour Master Kieran Higgs said focusing on promoting and growing the leisure marine sector has become more important in recent years.
Statistics for 2024 shows that around 20,000 people visited Guernsey by private vessel – an increase of 11% on the previous year.
“We are already a marina of choice for dozens of prestigious sailing races and regattas, who come to explore our exciting cruising grounds and vibrant waterfront,” he said. “And we are charting a course towards becoming a premier marine destination for all vessels.
“This will be achieved over time through sustained investment in our facilities and a commitment to excellent customer service working in partnership with the blue economy across Guernsey.”
A new Guernsey Marinas website is under development and social media accounts have
been set up across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to help grow the online community and create positive interactions across the marine leisure industry.
Mr Higgs said the new brand reflects a commitment to creating exceptional marine leisure experiences, services and infrastructure for the local community, visiting yachts, super yachts and regattas.
It follows a £300k pontoon upgrade in the Victoria Marina last winter and a £1.3m investment in replacing and reconfiguring pontoons in the QE2 Marina over the last 12
months.
Other refurbishment projects have included the redecking of older wooden pontoons in the Albert Marina and the replacement of the main Fish Quay pontoon.
One initiative which Mr Higgs said has also increased visibility of the island across Europe is Guernsey Ports’ enrolment in a reciprocal leisure boating programme called Passeport Escales.
Guernsey Ports mooring holders can register for membership of Passeport Escales at the Marine Services Centre for a one-off fee of £35. This qualifies mooring holders for up to 10 free nights per season, with over 100 marinas to choose from across selected UK, France and other European destinations.
Mr Higgs said the new arrangement is providing “greater value to mooring holders”, while also promoting the island to a wide audience and attracting new visitors to Guernsey.
“In the short time we have been a member, we have welcomed a number of first-time leisure visitors from Europe, who have gone on to stay longer than their initial two free nights, while it has also prompted previous visitors to return to our waters again.”